You can hang a TV on a drywall apartment wall, but you need to do it right. Finding studs for a TV mount in an apartment is key for safety, but you can drill to mount a TV in an apartment using special hardware if studs aren’t exactly where you need them, especially when hanging a TV without studs in some spots. Here’s how to do it to avoid damage and keep your landlord happy while enjoying your wall-mounted TV.
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Getting Ready to Mount Your TV
Putting your TV on the wall can make your living space look bigger and cleaner. For people living in apartments, wall mounting needs careful thought. You want your TV to be safe, but you also want to avoid big holes or damage that might cost you money when you move out. This guide walks you through the steps for mounting TV in rental apartment homes the right way.
Checking Your Apartment Lease
Before you even think about grabbing a drill, check your lease agreement. Some landlords do not allow wall mounting at all. Others might let you, but with rules about how to repair the wall when you leave. If your lease is not clear, talk to your landlord or the building manager. Getting their OK first can save you trouble later. Explain that you plan to install TV wall mount apartment safely and repair any small holes.
Gathering Your Tools and Supplies
You will need some basic tools to mount a TV. Here is a list of things that can help:
- TV Wall Mount Kit: Make sure it is made for your TV’s size and weight. It should come with screws for the TV and lag bolts or anchors for the wall.
- Drill: You will need a drill with different size drill bits.
- Stud Finder: An electronic stud finder is best for finding the wood beams inside the wall.
- Level: A small level helps make sure your mount is straight.
- Measuring Tape: For finding the center of the wall or the right height.
- Pencil: To mark spots on the wall.
- Safety Glasses: Protect your eyes from dust.
- Painter’s Tape: Helps mark spots and stops the drill from slipping.
- Specific Anchors (if not mounting on studs): Heavy-duty toggle bolts or similar anchors designed for drywall.
- Patching Supplies: Small tub of spackle or joint compound, putty knife, fine-grit sandpaper, touch-up paint that matches your wall (ask your landlord for this).
Types of TV Mounts for Apartment Living
Choosing the right mount is important, especially in an apartment. You want a mount that is secure but also might make repairs easier later. Here are common types:
- Fixed Mount: This mount holds the TV flat against the wall. It sticks out the least. It is simple and secure but does not let you tilt or move the TV.
- Tilting Mount: This mount lets you tilt the TV screen up or down. This is good if your TV is high on the wall or you need to stop glare.
- Full-Motion (Articulating) Mount: This mount lets you tilt, swivel, and pull the TV away from the wall. It gives you the most viewing options. However, these mounts are heavier and stick out more. They also put more stress on the wall, needing very secure mounting, usually into studs.
- Low-Profile Mounts: These are often fixed or tilting mounts designed to keep the TV very close to the wall. They look neat.
For apartment living, fixed or tilting mounts are often the easiest to install and cause the least wall stress. A low-profile fixed mount is often considered the best TV mount for apartment living if you just want the TV on the wall without much movement. Full-motion mounts are possible but need careful installation into strong supports.
Looking at Your Wall
Knowing what your wall is made of is the next step. Most apartment walls in the US are made of drywall (also called plasterboard or sheetrock) over wood or metal studs. Studs are the strong parts inside the wall that support the structure. Mounting into studs is always the most secure way to hang heavy items like a TV.
Grasping Wall Materials
- Drywall: This is the most common wall surface. It is strong enough for light things but cannot hold a lot of weight on its own. You need special anchors to hang things just on drywall.
- Studs: These are the vertical pieces of wood or metal behind the drywall, usually spaced 16 or 24 inches apart from the center. They run from the floor to the ceiling. They are the best place to attach a TV mount because they can hold a lot of weight.
- Plaster: Older buildings might have plaster walls over wood lath. These are harder to drill into and require special tools and anchors. This guide focuses mainly on drywall.
Finding Studs for TV Mount Apartment
Finding the studs is a critical step if you plan to drill into the wall. Mounting a heavy TV directly into drywall without hitting a stud is dangerous; the TV could fall.
Deciphering Stud Locations
There are a few ways to find studs:
- Stud Finder Tool: This is the easiest and most accurate way.
- An electronic stud finder uses sensors to find changes in wall density.
- Place the stud finder flat against the wall and move it slowly.
- It will beep or light up when it finds the edge or the center of a stud.
- Mark the edges of the stud lightly with a pencil. Find both edges to know the center.
- Scan up and down the wall to make sure the stud is a continuous vertical beam.
- Looking for Clues: Sometimes you can guess where studs are.
- Electrical outlets and light switches are usually attached to a stud.
- Look for faint lines or bumps under the paint, which might show where the drywall sheets are joined over studs.
- Baseboards and crown molding are often nailed into studs. You might see small nail pops.
- Tapping Method: This is less reliable but can help.
- Tap along the wall with your knuckle.
- Listen for a solid sound (like tapping on wood) instead of a hollow sound (tapping on the drywall space between studs).
- Mark where the sound changes.
- Small Pilot Hole: If you are comfortable making tiny holes, you can drill a small, thin drill bit (like 1/16 inch) into the wall where you think a stud might be. If you hit wood, you found it. You can easily patch these small holes later.
Mark the location of two or more studs that are far enough apart to match the mounting holes on your TV mount bracket. Standard stud spacing is 16 inches, but it can be 24 inches or other sizes, especially near corners or doors.
Mounting the TV with Studs
This is the strongest and safest way to install TV wall mount apartment. If you can mount your bracket into two studs, your TV will be very secure.
Step-by-Step Guide to Drilling to Mount TV in Apartment (Into Studs)
- Decide on Height: Hold your TV up (or have someone help you) or use the mount bracket to see where you want the top or center of the screen to be. Mark this spot lightly on the wall. A common height puts the center of the screen at eye level when you are sitting.
- Find Mount Location: Hold the mount bracket against the wall at your desired height. Use a level to make sure it is straight. Mark the spots where the lag bolts will go into the studs you found. Double-check that these marks are centered on the studs you marked earlier.
- Mark Pilot Holes: Use a pencil to mark the exact spots for drilling the lag bolts through the bracket and into the studs.
- Drill Pilot Holes: Choose a drill bit that is slightly smaller than the lag bolts that came with your mount. Drill pilot holes straight into the studs at the marked spots. Drill to the depth recommended by the mount maker (usually slightly less than the lag bolt length). Drilling pilot holes makes it easier to drive in the lag bolts and prevents the wood from splitting.
- Attach the Mount: Line up the mount bracket with the pilot holes. Drive the lag bolts through the bracket and into the studs using a drill or a wrench. Tighten them firmly, but do not overtighten, which could damage the wood or the bolt head.
- Attach TV Brackets: Attach the vertical brackets to the back of your TV. These typically screw into the VESA mounting holes on the back of the TV. The mount instructions will tell you which screws to use for your TV model.
- Hang the TV: With help, lift the TV and hook the brackets on the back of the TV onto the wall mount. Most mounts have a locking system or clips to secure the TV in place. Listen for a click or use the locking screws/straps.
- Check Security: Gently pull on the TV to make sure it is locked onto the mount and the mount is firmly attached to the wall.
Hanging TV Without Studs Apartment (Using Special Anchors)
Sometimes, studs are not where you want your TV to go. Maybe the perfect spot on the wall is between two studs. In this case, you can still hang a TV on drywall apartment walls, but you must use special heavy-duty drywall anchors. Standard plastic anchors are not strong enough for a TV.
Interpreting Drywall Weight Limits
Drywall itself is not very strong. The weight capacity for hanging things on drywall apartment walls depends entirely on the type and number of anchors you use.
- Molly Bolts / Metal Cavity Anchors: These expand behind the drywall. A single one might hold 50-100 lbs, but you need several for a TV mount.
- Toggle Bolts: These have a metal wing that flips open behind the drywall, spreading the weight over a larger area. Large toggle bolts can hold 100-250 lbs each in drywall. These are a much better choice for heavier items like TVs when studs are not available.
- Specific Heavy-Duty TV Mount Drywall Anchors: Some mount companies or hardware stores sell anchor kits specifically designed for mounting TVs on drywall without studs. These often use metal toggle-like systems or expanding sleeves.
Important: Even with the best anchors, mounting a large or heavy TV (over 50-60 lbs) solely on drywall without hitting any studs is risky. Always check the TV mount weight capacity drywall apartment rating for the specific anchors you buy. It is recommended to use several anchors (often 4-6 or more, depending on the mount and anchor type) and make sure their combined vertical weight capacity is significantly more than your TV and mount weight.
Steps for Mounting on Drywall (No Studs)
- Choose Your Anchors: Buy heavy-duty toggle bolts or a reputable TV-specific drywall anchor kit that clearly states it is for hanging TVs without studs. Check the weight capacity rating carefully.
- Position and Level the Mount: Hold the mount bracket on the wall at the desired height and use a level to make sure it is straight. Mark the spots where the mounting holes line up on the wall. Make sure you have planned to use enough anchor points according to your anchor kit’s instructions (usually using most or all of the holes on the mount bracket).
- Drill Holes for Anchors: Use a drill bit that matches the size required by your chosen anchors. Toggle bolts often need a larger hole than screws. Drill these holes carefully at the marked spots.
- Install the Anchors: Follow the instructions for your specific anchors.
- For toggle bolts, you might push the metal wing through the hole, and it springs open behind the wall. Then you thread the bolt through the mount and into the wing.
- Other systems might involve inserting a sleeve or mechanism first.
- Attach the Mount: Secure the mount bracket to the wall by tightening the bolts or screws into the anchors.
- Attach TV Brackets: Attach the vertical brackets to the back of your TV (same as the stud method).
- Hang the TV: With help, lift the TV and hang it on the mounted bracket. Secure it using the mount’s locking system.
- Check Security: Gently pull on the TV. Make sure the mount feels solid. Do not hang on it or put extra weight on it.
Using anchors is possible, but it is crucial to use the right kind and enough of them. Never use just regular screws or small plastic anchors for a TV.
No Drill TV Mount for Apartment Options
If you want to avoid drilling any holes at all, there are a few alternative ways to “mount” a TV in an apartment. These options generally work best for smaller, lighter TVs.
Fathoming Alternatives to Drilling
- TV Stands with Mounts: These are floor stands that have a pole and a bracket to hang your TV on. The TV looks like it is floating, but the weight is on the floor. They offer a wall-mounted look without touching the wall. Many also have shelves for devices.
- Heavy-Duty Adhesive Mounts (Use with Caution): Some companies make mounts that use strong, heavy-duty adhesives. These are generally not recommended for expensive or heavy TVs in a rental. Adhesives can fail, and if they do hold, they can strip paint or tear off the drywall paper when removed, causing more damage than a few small drill holes. Always read reviews and weight limits very carefully, and consider the risk.
- Tension Pole Mounts: These use a pole that goes from floor to ceiling with tension, holding it in place without drilling. The TV attaches to a bracket on the pole. The pole needs to be very stable, and the TV size might be limited.
While these methods avoid drilling, they have limits on TV size and weight and might not be as secure as a properly installed wall mount into studs. A TV stand with a mount is often the safest no-drill option.
Picking the Right Mount
Beyond the type of motion (fixed, tilt, full-motion), consider these factors when choosing the best TV mount for apartment living:
- TV Size and Weight: Every mount has a maximum screen size and weight limit. Never exceed these limits. Your TV manual or the back of the TV will list its weight.
- VESA Pattern: This is the pattern of the four mounting holes on the back of your TV. Mounts are made to fit specific VESA patterns (like 200x200mm, 400x400mm, etc.). Check your TV’s VESA pattern and make sure the mount supports it. Most mounts support multiple patterns.
- Wall Type: As discussed, if you must mount on drywall without studs, you need a mount compatible with heavy-duty drywall anchors and potentially a mount designed to spread the weight over multiple points. If you can hit studs, most standard mounts will work.
- Mount Profile: How far do you want the TV to stick out from the wall? Fixed mounts are low-profile, while full-motion mounts will sit further away.
- Cable Management: Some mounts have features to help hide cables, which keeps the look clean.
Always check the TV mount weight capacity drywall apartment walls can support with your chosen anchors if you cannot use studs. Prioritize safety!
Reducing Damage During Installation
Even when drilling, you can take steps to keep damage low:
- Use Painter’s Tape: Put a strip of painter’s tape where you plan to drill. Mark on the tape. This helps prevent the drill bit from “walking” or scratching the paint when you start drilling. It also makes pencil marks easy to remove.
- Drill Carefully: Drill straight and steadily. Do not force the drill.
- Clean Up Dust: Have a vacuum ready to clean up dust right away as you drill.
- Use the Right Bit Size: Using the correct drill bit size for pilot holes (slightly smaller than the screw/bolt) or anchor holes (exactly as the anchor instructions say) is key to a secure fit and minimal damage.
Repair Wall After Mounting TV Apartment
When it is time to move out or you decide to take the TV down, you will likely have holes to repair. The goal is to make the wall look like new. Repairing small holes from mounting a TV in rental apartment is usually straightforward.
Steps for Repairing Holes
- Remove Mount and Hardware: Take the TV off the mount, then remove the mount from the wall. Unscrew lag bolts or remove anchors. Some anchors might require pushing part of them into the wall cavity (like toggle bolt wings), while others unscrew completely.
- Clean the Area: Remove any loose drywall paper or dust around the holes. Use a utility knife to trim any torn paper edges.
- Fill the Holes:
- For small screw holes: Use a small amount of spackle. Push it into the hole with a putty knife.
- For larger anchor holes: You might need joint compound or a patching plaster. For very large holes, you might need mesh drywall tape before applying the compound. Follow the product instructions. Apply the compound with a putty knife, smoothing it flat with the surrounding wall.
- Let Dry: Let the spackle or compound dry completely. This can take a few hours or overnight, depending on how deep the patch is and the product used.
- Sand Smooth: Once dry, the patch might be slightly raised. Use fine-grit sandpaper (like 150 or 220 grit) to gently sand the patched area until it is smooth and even with the rest of the wall. Wipe away dust with a damp cloth.
- Repeat if Needed: For larger holes, you might need a second layer of compound after the first dries and is sanded.
- Prime (Optional but Recommended): Apply a small amount of primer over the patched area. This helps the new paint match the old paint color better and prevents the patch from “flashing” through the paint.
- Paint: Apply touch-up paint that matches your wall color. You might need two coats. Feather the edges of the painted area slightly to blend it in.
Ask your landlord for the exact paint color and finish (flat, eggshell, etc.) used on your walls. This will help the repair be invisible. Practicing on a scrap piece of drywall or an unseen spot can help.
Advice for Mounting in Rental Apartments
- Get Permission First: Seriously, talk to your landlord. It is better than facing charges later.
- Document Everything: Take pictures of the wall before you start, during the process (especially finding studs), and after you finish the repair.
- Keep it Simple: A fixed or tilting mount is usually easier to install and repair than a full-motion one.
- Consider the Future: Think about how easy the mount will be to remove and repair the wall when you eventually move out. This is where using studs is often better, as lag bolt holes are easier to patch than large anchor holes.
- Do Not Exceed Weight Limits: Never hang a TV heavier than the mount or the wall anchors can safely hold.
- Use a Level! A crooked TV will always bother you.
- Get Help: Hanging a TV, especially a large one, is a two-person job for safety.
Good Points and Bad Points of Mounting in Apartments
Let’s look at the ups and downs of putting your TV on the wall in a rental.
Good Points
- Saves Space: Gets the TV stand off the floor, making the room feel bigger.
- Better Viewing Angle: You can put the TV at the perfect height. Tilting mounts help with glare.
- Safety (from tipping): A properly mounted TV cannot be easily knocked over, which is good if you have kids or pets.
- Clean Look: Hides cables for a minimalist style.
Bad Points
- Requires Landlord Permission: You might not be allowed to do it.
- Potential for Damage: Drilling holes is needed for the most secure methods. Repairs are required when you leave.
- Permanent Spot: Once mounted, moving the TV is a project, not just a quick shift.
- Installation Can Be Tricky: Finding studs or using the right anchors requires care and tools.
- Possible Lease Violations: Doing it wrong or without permission can lead to fines or losing your security deposit.
For many, the benefits of saving space and getting a great viewing angle are worth the effort of getting permission and making small repairs.
Conclusion
Mounting a TV on your apartment wall is totally possible and can greatly improve your living space. The key is to do it smartly and carefully. Start by checking your lease and talking to your landlord. Choose the right mount for your TV and your wall type. Always aim to mount into studs for the safest, strongest hold. If studs are not an option, use heavy-duty drywall anchors designed for TVs, making sure the total weight capacity is enough.
No matter how you choose to mount your TV, follow the instructions closely, use the right tools, and double-check everything before you hang the TV. And be prepared to repair the wall neatly when you eventually take the mount down. By taking these steps, you can enjoy your wall-mounted TV worry-free, even in a rental apartment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I mount a TV on any apartment wall?
A: No. You need to know what the wall is made of. Most are drywall over studs. Some walls might be brick or concrete, which need different hardware. Always check your lease and talk to your landlord before doing anything.
Q: How heavy a TV can I hang on drywall without hitting a stud?
A: It depends entirely on the type and number of heavy-duty anchors you use. Small plastic anchors are not enough for a TV. Large toggle bolts or specialized TV drywall anchors can hold a significant amount, but you must check their specific weight ratings and use enough of them. For heavy TVs (over 50-60 lbs), mounting into studs is highly recommended.
Q: How do I know if my mount will fit my TV?
A: Check the VESA pattern on the back of your TV (four holes in a square or rectangle). Your TV manual will list it. Then check the mount’s product description to ensure it supports that VESA pattern. Also, match the mount’s stated size and weight capacity to your TV.
Q: What if I drill a hole in the wrong spot?
A: Do not worry too much. Small mis-drilled holes can be easily patched with spackle, sanded, and painted over. This is why getting permission and planning is important, but small mistakes are fixable.
Q: Will my landlord keep my security deposit if I mount a TV?
A: This depends on your lease and how well you repair the wall when you leave. If you get permission, install the mount correctly, and professionally patch and paint the holes to match the wall, you are much less likely to lose your deposit over it. Leaving large, poorly repaired holes is more likely to cause issues.
Q: Are “no-drill” adhesive mounts safe for TVs?
A: Most experts advise caution with adhesive-only TV mounts, especially in a rental. While they avoid drilling, they can fail if not applied perfectly or if the wall surface is not suitable. If they do hold, removing them can severely damage the paint and drywall surface, which might be harder to repair than small drill holes. TV stands with integrated mounts are a safer no-drill alternative.